Common Shiny Woodlouse

Common Shiny Woodlouse key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

2-4 years

Size

Up to about 16mm

Temperature

Diet

Leaf litter and rotten wood as staples with a little vegetable, permanent calcium such as cuttlebone, and occasional protein

Temperature & Humidity

A temperate species that lives at room temperature with no heating. Keep one end damp and the other drier, with moderate ventilation.

Enclosure

Flake soil and rotted wood under a thick layer of leaf litter, with bark and wood for cover. A springtail culture in the same tub keeps mould down.

Diet & Feeding

Leaf litter and rotten wood are the diet. Add a little vegetable and occasional protein, and keep cuttlebone in permanently.

Temperament & Venom

Harmless and placid. Kept in groups, it breeds steadily once settled without any coaxing.

Notes

It cannot conglobate, so provide plenty of cover. Colour lines such as 'Mardi Gras' and 'Orange' are selected stock of this same species and are kept exactly like the wild type.

About Common Shiny Woodlouse

A glossy European woodlouse found under logs and stones. Needs no heating and suits beginners, growing to about 16mm with a flattened body and orange-marked juveniles.

7 things to know before welcoming a Common Shiny Woodlouse

1. 1No Heating Needed

   This species is native to temperate Europe and thrives at normal room temperature without a heater. Just keep it out of excessive summer heat and humidity by placing the enclosure somewhere with good airflow.

2. 2Humidity Matters

   Since it favors damp spots like under logs and stones, part of the substrate should stay consistently moist. Splitting the enclosure into a moist zone and a drier zone lets individuals choose their preferred spot.

3. 3Compact at 16mm

   Adults reach a maximum of about 16mm, making them a compact species that takes up little space. Their small size makes it easy to keep several individuals together.

4. 4Orange Juvenile Markings

   Juveniles show distinct orange patches that fade into a calmer, glossy adult coloration as they mature. Watching this color change is one of the pleasures of keeping this species.

5. 5A Natural Decomposer

   They readily break down fallen leaves, decaying wood, and leftover food, which is why they are often added to vivariums or insect enclosures as a cleanup crew. Check compatibility before housing them with other species.

6. 6Provide Plenty of Hides

   This species prefers to shelter under stones, cork bark, or logs and spends much of its time out of sight. Arranging hides so you can peek underneath or from the side makes observation easier.

7. 7Prep Before Arrival

   Before bringing them home, set up a ventilated lid container with moisture-retentive substrate such as leaf litter or hardwood mat. Have hides and food sources like decaying wood or vegetable scraps ready too.

Frequently asked questions about Common Shiny Woodlouse

Q.Does it need heating?

A.No, this species is temperate and can be kept at normal room temperature without a heater. Just avoid extreme heat or cold and keep the temperature stable.

Q.Can it be housed with other animals?

A.It's calm, non-aggressive, and often added to vivariums as a decomposer. Avoid pairing it with small animals that might prey on it, and check compatibility beforehand.

Q.What should I feed it?

A.It's an omnivorous decomposer that eats decaying wood, leaf litter, and vegetable scraps. Mixing decaying wood or leaf litter into the substrate lets it forage naturally.

Q.Will it breed in captivity?

A.With stable humidity and enough hiding spots, breeding is achievable in captivity. Since juveniles show distinct orange markings, it's easy to spot young individuals as they appear.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults reach a maximum of about 16mm, making it a small species. Its compact size makes it easy to keep several individuals together in one enclosure.

Learn more about Common Shiny Woodlouse in the encyclopedia

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